diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index fcc4a74..05c229a 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Why are these changes necessary? How do they improve the cookbook?
 
 ---
 
-## For contributions of new content
+## For new content
 
 When contributing new content, make sure to read through our [contributions rubric](/project/rubric.md) before submitting, and complete the following action items:
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 17ea3b4..3e28958 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -17,10 +17,14 @@ For other useful tools, guides and courses, check out these [related resources f
 
 ## Contributing
 
-If there are examples or guides you'd like to see, feel free to suggest them on the [issues page](https://github.com/openai/openai-cookbook/issues). We are also happy to accept high quality pull requests, as long as they fit the scope of the cookbook.
+The OpenAI Cookbook is a community-driven resource. Whether you're submitting an idea, fixing a typo, adding a new guide, or improving an existing one, your contributions are greatly appreciated!
 
-The contents of this repo are automatically rendered into [cookbook.openai.com](https://cookbook.openai.com) based on [registry.yaml](/registry.yaml). When contributing a new example, make sure to add a new entry for it in [registry.yaml](/registry.yaml) so that it renders on the website.
+Before contributing, read through the existing issues and pull requests to see if someone else is already working on something similar. That way you can avoid duplicating efforts.
 
-Refer to our guide on [what makes documentation good](https://cookbook.openai.com/what_makes_documentation_good) for guidance on how to make high quality contributions.
+If there are examples or guides you'd like to see, feel free to suggest them on the [issues page](https://github.com/openai/openai-cookbook/issues).
+
+If you'd like to contribute new content, make sure to read through our [contribution guidelines](/CONTRIBUTING.md). We welcome high-quality submissions of new examples and guides, as long as they meet our criteria and fit within the scope of the cookbook.
+
+The contents of this repo are automatically rendered into [cookbook.openai.com](https://cookbook.openai.com) based on [registry.yaml](/registry.yaml).
 
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